Prospect Ramblings

Catching you up on prospects moved or being shopped at the NHL trade deadline...plus some highlights from the prospect world.

Monday, March 1st, 2015

With Austin Wallace’s head buried in his textbooks preparing for his midterms (aka, watching “TradeCentre”) the two of us are swapping ramblings days so you’re stuck with me today covering Trade Deadline action.

While the focus will remain on prospects, I may feel inclined to spew out some opinions on deals that go down as well.

Touching on Yesterday’s mini-blockbuster with Arizona trading defenseman Keith Yandle to the Rangers for promising speedster Anthony Duclair, defenseman John Moore, New York’s 1st round pick in 2016 and a 2nd in 2015. This exemplifies a great hockey trade for two teams headed in two different directions. It also marks

December 2014 - For the most part Beaulieu has been an NHLer this year, playing 20 games with the Canadiens. But with just two points, he is not an overnight sensation nor should he be considered for fantasy leagues just yet. He still has a ton of potential and his skills as a skater and puck-mover are definitely an asset to the Canadiens but his point totals may be disappointing until the day that Anderi Markov moves on. Eric Daoust

October 2014 - Beaulieu made the Canadiens' opening night roster. Expect to see him play sheltered minutes with opportunities on the second power play unit barring an injury to Andrei Markov or PK Subban. His fantasy upside for now is limited but he should still be able to post respectable numbers in a secondary role. Eric Daoust

June 2014 - Beaulieu enjoyed some strong stretches with the Canadiens this year including suiting up for seven playoff games as the team made it to the third round. His speed and puck-moving abilities were a welcome addition on a blueline that lacked this type of player outside of PK Subban and Andrei Markov. With Markov possibly headed for free agency, Beaulieu could be a major player in Montreal next year. Eric Daoust

October 2013 - As the Canadiens deal with a couple of injuries on the blueline Beaulieu has managed to stick in Montreal as the seventh defenseman. So far he has appeared in two NHL contests. Eric Daoust

September 2013 - Beaulieu suffered an injury early in training camp but was able to suit up for the final two preseason contests. He displayed good offensive instincts and puck-moving ability. He will begin with the season with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. Eric Daoust

August 2013 - Beaulieu pleaded guilty to an assault charge after an altercation at a house party back in April. He was granted a conditional discharge which will allow him to continue playing hockey. Eric Daoust

May 2013 – Beaulieu was named most valuable player of the Hamilton Bulldogs for the 2012-13 season. He finished with seven goals and 31 points in 67 games which is an impressive total considering he shared the team lead in points. Eric Daoust

April 2013 – Beaulieu has been called up to the Canadiens and played in his first NHL game. He may not be up for long with the team, who are rumored to be shopping for a puck-moving defenseman at the trade deadline, but the fact that he is seeing action is a good sign. Beaulieu will be battling with Jarred Tinordi for call-up priority moving forward. Eric Daoust

March 2013 - Beaulieu leads all Hamilton blueliners with 20 points in 58 games including six goals and a team-best 125 shots on goal. The Canadiens have recently called up Greg Pateryn and Jarred Tinordi to fill in for injuries, indicating that Beaulieu may farther away from getting a promotion to the NHL. This is probably best for his long-term development because he still needs time to improve in the defensive zone and make better decisions with the puck. Eric Daoust

December 2012 – It was expected that he would return to junior for his overage year as he started the season as a 19 year old, but as of today is turning 20. The decision for him to become a pro has not been a poor one, as his development may be expedited. His skating gets him out of major trouble in his own zone, but he needs to make better passing decisions and get the puck out harder on the boards to relieve pressure situations. He is currently running the power play and has 35 shots in 17 games to lead the Bulldog defense. Jason Banks

August 2012 – Beaulieu has now signed his three year entry level contract. He will see a serious run in training camp as Montreal pushes him to his limits to see exactly what they have and where he will fit. He will likely be destine for Saint John for a final time in this fall, but with his talent and another strong showing in camp, Montreal may be forced to move some veteran talent in order to allow room for him in 2013-2014 season. You’ll want him on your radar for this season’s drafts in leagues that allow you to hold prospects. Jason Banks

May 2012 – Nathan finished the season just under point per game in 53 games during the regular season. He has continued on in the QMJHL playoffs with 15 points and a rather large plus-27 in only 17 games. He will need to continue the production for Saint John to go far in the Memorial Cup. Jason Banks

February, 2012 – The smooth skating Beaulieu is poised to eclipse his career best 45 points with another rock solid season for the Sea Dogs. He’s an offensive defenseman who loves to join the rush. A fantastic skater with a great first pass and an underrated physical game. He received high praise from teammates during NHL preseason and didn’t look out of place. He has top four potential but will most likely need some AHL seasoning. - Derek LeBlanc

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Potential power play quarterback but will need time to develop offense at the NHL level.

Prospect Ramblings

Catching you up on prospects moved or being shopped at the NHL trade deadline...plus some highlights from the prospect world.

Monday, March 1st, 2015

With Austin Wallace’s head buried in his textbooks preparing for his midterms (aka, watching “TradeCentre”) the two of us are swapping ramblings days so you’re stuck with me today covering Trade Deadline action.

While the focus will remain on prospects, I may feel inclined to spew out some opinions on deals that go down as well.

Touching on Yesterday’s mini-blockbuster with Arizona trading defenseman Keith Yandle to the Rangers for promising speedster Anthony Duclair, defenseman John Moore, New York’s 1st round pick in 2016 and a 2nd in 2015. This exemplifies a great hockey trade for two teams headed in two different directions. It also marks